DAVID HODGSON could turn to a midfielder in a bid to revive Darlington's flagging fortunes.

While Quakers have failed to score in a third of their 21 games this season, Hodgson refused to chastise his forward's after Saturday's defeat at Macclesfield.

The boss was disappointed with the lack of service Tresor Kandol and Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu received on Saturday.

And, while Hodgson has made initial enquiries for another striker after Michael Bridges opted for a move to Carlisle United, a move for a midfielder is not being ruled out.

Phil Stamp has made one brief substitute appearance since joining Quakers on a free transfer last month and faces another fortnight on the sidelines, while Nathan Jameson and Stephen Thomas have struggled with injuries this season.

And, with Adrian Webster out-of-sorts and player-coach Neil Maddison available only in emergencies, Hodgson admitted: "It's an area we're still looking to strengthen. We've been looking for another striker, although we have been looking at the possibility of bringing in another midfielder too.

"Stampy (injured with a calf problem) still has a little bit of work to do, but when he's fit he'll be a very good addition."

Hodgson also backed Kandol to come good after the on-loan forward failed to get on the scoresheet in his second game.

"It's easy for people to start pointing the finger at the forwards when you're not scoring, but when they're not getting the ball in the right places, you can sympathise," said Hodgson.

"I've seen what Tresor can do and once the opportunities come his way, he will soon start scoring, as we know he can."

* Ryan Valentine admitted the players were stunned after one of the worst Darlington performances of the season, writes Craig Stoddart.

Quakers inconsistency is beginning to parallel last season's form when a good game would be followed by a bad one.

Last week Darlington matched unbeaten Wycombe Wanderers but seven days on against League Two's second bottom side Quakers were dreadful and Valentine said it left the players speechless.

Darlington made a sharp 5.05pm exit from Moss Rose and Valentine said: "It was a poor, poor performance. I do not think the lads in the dressing room said a word afterwards.

"There were a few heads down and nobody knows what to say.

"I am not going to say the defence did well or single any part of the team out because it's a team game and you defend as a team and go forward as a team.

"There's no blame going to anybody in particular, it was a poor performance all round.

"I don't know what to say about us performing against the top sides but not against the teams at the bottom. Nobody can put their finger on it.

"The management can say all they want but it is up to the players to go out on the pitch and do a job."

* Darlington wore black armbands on Saturday as a mark of respect after a friend of goalkeeper Sam Russell died recently.

Read more about the Quakers here.